Q. After reading about the many desirable qualities of
screwbean mesquite trees, I am determined to plant two of them in my yard.
However, today I searched the nurseries and discovered there was none to be
found. One nursery offered to order them for me. I would rather see what I am
buying. Do you know of any place that carries them? Do I have to start my own from seed?
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| Seed pod of screwbean mesquite |
A. Screwbean mesquite is a very nice small desert tree native
to southern Nevada but not in high demand by the public. So, the local
nurseries typically don’t carry them. It’s
a “chicken vs egg” problem in marketing and sales. Some nurseries will order
them for you and that’s nice they offer that service. You may or may not be
able to see the tree ahead of purchase going this route. Ask.
to southern Nevada but not in high demand by the public. So, the local
nurseries typically don’t carry them. It’s
a “chicken vs egg” problem in marketing and sales. Some nurseries will order
them for you and that’s nice they offer that service. You may or may not be
able to see the tree ahead of purchase going this route. Ask.
 |
| Screwbean mesquite is an excellent small Nevada native tree that does not need much water to get to its mature size. This tree can be found at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. |
Locally,
try the State Forest Nursery at Floyd Lamb State Park and check the
availability there. (Update: they had them available). They have a website and post plant availability, but it
doesn’t hurt to give them a call since not everything is posted.
try the State Forest Nursery at Floyd Lamb State Park and check the
availability there. (Update: they had them available). They have a website and post plant availability, but it
doesn’t hurt to give them a call since not everything is posted.
 |
| Screwbean mesquite trunk |
On to
propagation. The tree is easy to propagate from seed, cuttings or marcottage
but for the inexperienced probably seed propagation is the easiest method. Just
remember, all tree seeds in the Mesquite or Legume family will have a hard coating
surrounding the seed that prevents accidental germination. You must damage this
seed coat for good germination.
propagation. The tree is easy to propagate from seed, cuttings or marcottage
but for the inexperienced probably seed propagation is the easiest method. Just
remember, all tree seeds in the Mesquite or Legume family will have a hard coating
surrounding the seed that prevents accidental germination. You must damage this
seed coat for good germination.
 |
| The dried brown seedpods are where the seed can be found in midsummer |
Pick
seed from pods hanging from good looking trees in midsummer or when the pods
are brown. Open the pods and pick ten of the largest seeds you can find. Damage
the seed coat with sandpaper, small file or razor blade with as little damage
to the seed as possible. Soak this seed in warm water for a few hours to get
germination started.
seed from pods hanging from good looking trees in midsummer or when the pods
are brown. Open the pods and pick ten of the largest seeds you can find. Damage
the seed coat with sandpaper, small file or razor blade with as little damage
to the seed as possible. Soak this seed in warm water for a few hours to get
germination started.
While
you’re waiting, fill a clean nursery container with potting soil to within one
inch below its top lip. Plant the seed one-half inch deep and two to three
inches apart. Keep seed moist but not wet. Don’t water too often!
you’re waiting, fill a clean nursery container with potting soil to within one
inch below its top lip. Plant the seed one-half inch deep and two to three
inches apart. Keep seed moist but not wet. Don’t water too often!